Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has expressed support for Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who reportedly faced backlash for criticizing the federal government.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Obi condemned the alleged threats against Raye by NYSC officials, describing it as part of a troubling pattern where “voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.”
He noted that such repression is not new, citing his own experiences with threats and harassment for offering constructive criticism of government policies.
“I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies,” Obi said.
Obi warned that silencing dissent contradicts democratic principles, arguing that “a government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt.”
He urged the administration to accept criticism as essential to democracy and encouraged Nigerians to resist intimidation.
“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for the Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation,” he added.
